TORCH Summer 09.qxd - Lee University

Commencement ServicesStreamed Around the GlobeWhile the Paul Dana Walker Arena may not have been able to hold every graduates’friends and family members on graduation day, thousands were able to tunein live via video stream on the Lee University Web site.A few years ago at graduation, an international student walked across the stagewith her cell phone in her hand so that her parents and family back home couldhear the ceremony. This year the ceremonies of the weekend were broadcast overthe Internet, allowing anyone with access to have a front-row seat from anywherein the world. Viewers from 22 states and several countries, includingJapan, Australia, Kenya, France, Argentina, Korea and Jamaica, watchedthe Commissioning and Commencement services.“Concerts, recitals, special events and chapels are only the beginning,” saidRon Gilbert, director of the Video Production Center, which includes a TV studioand soundstage, located in the Dixon Center. “This new media outlet is a hugegain for telecommunication students, as well as departments involved in recruitment,alumni, public relations, student services, music and athletics.”The Lee video streaming Web site address is www.leeuniversity.edu/video. Viewerscan watch in 100k or 500k streams, depending on their Internet connection speed.NancyMoodyMoody encouraged the graduates to be good representativesof Lee University in every aspect of life.“Now I challenge you to go forth and set the world on fire,”she said.Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, vice president for academic affairs, presentedthe graduates to the assembly. Each graduate receivedcheers and applause of some degree, despite a note in the programto “applaud only for summa cum laude graduates.” Thedegrees were then conferred, the tassels moved and the commencementceremony came to an end.Outside, the rain began to fall as the Class of 2009 joined theirfamily and friends for congratulations and fellowship. But it didnot dampen the mood of the hundreds gathered together toshare in the momentous occasion with 380 graduates eager tomake a difference in their world.Sara Dawson is copy editor for the Lee Clarion student newspaper.TORCH • Summer 20097